Jeffrey Craig Downing, 71, passed away on April 2, 2026. Cremation has taken place and a family graveside service was held. There are no public services planned at this time.

Jeff was born on January 19, 1955, in Sioux City, Iowa, to James and Zelma (Freerking) Downing, the third of four children.

Jeff grew up in Sioux City and attended Sioux City Schools, graduating in 1973 from East High School. He was a talented trumpet player in his younger years and performed many solos and duets with a fellow classmate in the East High School Band.

Early on Jeff demonstrated a love for cooking. He was an accomplished cook and first proved his cooking skills at the age 12 when he surprised his family with freshly baked cherry pies when he was supposed to be home sick from school.

A lover of nature, Jeff enjoyed being outside. He liked to fish, rafted down the Missouri River, rode his bike 60 miles to his grandparents’ house, and was an excellent gardener.

Always a hard worker, Jeff worked at the Downing’s House of Pancakes with his brother and also worked for the Sioux City Community School District as part of the maintenance department for many years.

Jeff will be remembered as a very social and kindhearted man with a sharp mind, keen sense of humor and a love for dogs. He adored his family, especially his sons, Craig and Jerry.

Preceding Jeff in death is a son, Craig Jeffrey Downing; his parents, James and Zelma Downing; a brother, Michael Downing; and a niece, Courtney Downing.

He is survived by his son, Jerry Downing; a brother, Paul Downing (Kathy); a sister, Jeanne Bata (Efren); and several nieces and nephews and cousins and their families.